{% include "includes/auth/janrain/signIn_traditional.html" with message='It looks like you are already verified. If you still have trouble signing in, you probably need a new confirmation link email.' %}

Gators notebook: Brandon James to miss Sugar Bowl after foot surgery

Florida senior kick returner Brandon James’ college career is over one game early because of a stress fracture in his right foot, Urban Meyer announced Monday.

James, already the SEC’s all-time career leader in kickoff return yardage (2,718), will not get to add to his record in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 after undergoing surgery following the Gators’ loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game two weeks ago.

The injury, suffered sometime earlier this season, finally forced James out of the game in the second half against Alabama.

James returned four punts and one kickoff for touchdowns in his UF career and is No. 3 on the all-time SEC list in punt return yardage (1,371). He also leads the Gators this year in all-purpose yardage with 1,324 — 109 rushing, 215 receiving, 244 punt return and 756 kickoff return. James will be replaced in the bowl game by Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey and possibly Joe Haden.

Other Gators notes from Monday:

— After Monday, the team will be off until arriving in New Orleans on Saturday.

— Meyer said the team still isn’t over the devastating loss to Alabama two weeks ago, and he even spoke with some of the Alabama coaches about how to motivate his players for the upcoming game. Alabama faced a similar situation a year ago, facing Utah in the Sugar Bowl after losing to Florida in the SEC title game.

“It’s all about how hard you practice and the leadership on your team, and that’s all to be determined,” Meyer said. “I think the only way to get that completely out of your system is to go win the next game. The important thing this time of year is go enjoy your families and be grateful for what you’ve got.”

— Meyer said he has “talked to a few people” but is not closer to naming a new defensive coordinator to replace Charlie Strong.

— Meyer, on if anyone will be academically ineligible for the Sugar Bowl: “No, not yet. We don’t have the final grades yet.”

— Meyer, on what he is doing for Christmas: “Whatever Mrs. Meyer says we’re doing, and I think that means spending time with the family.”